Manufacturing Engineer in Cheadle

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About the role:

We’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineer who is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling and production methods that ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective manufacture of JCB products.

This role supports current production, introduces new products, improves quality, reduces costs and drives operational excellence across the manufacturing facility. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll play a key role in ensuring manufacturing processes deliver high standards of safety, quality, productivity and delivery performance.

What does this roleinvolve day to day?

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring products are designed for efficient manufacture and assembly.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery and cost reduction.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, improve labour efficiency and increase equipment utilisation.
• Design and specify production tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly aids.
• Conduct time studies and line balancing activities to optimise manufacturing flow and resource utilisation.
• Investigate manufacturing issues and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Support capital investment projects, including justification, specification, installation and commissioning of new equipment.
• Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Purchasing and Logistics teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Develop manufacturing layouts and material flow solutions to improve operational performance.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Support PFMEA, Control Plans, risk assessments and process validation activities.
• Analyse production data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities and drive performance gains.
• Support supplier development activities where manufacturing processes impact product quality or delivery performance.
• Participate in problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Root Cause Analysis.

This will be suited to you if…

• You hold a Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• You have experience within a manufacturing or assembly environment.
• You have a strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• You have experience of process improvement and problem‑solving techniques.
• You can interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• You have knowledge of production planning and manufacturing systems.
• You possess excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• You have strong analytical and data‑driven decision‑making capability.
• You demonstrate a strong safety‑first mindset.
• You take ownership and accountability for results.
• You continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and performance.
• You work collaboratively across functions and departments.
• You use data and facts to support decision‑making.
• You show resilience and flexibility in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Even better if…

• You have experience within the heavy equipment, automotive or off‑highway vehicle industry.
• You have knowledge of APQP, PFMEA and quality management systems.
• You have experience of automated assembly systems and robotics.
• You have an understanding of ERP systems such as SAP.
• You hold a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
• You have project management experience.

Success in this role will be measured through safety performance, manufacturing cost reduction, labour productivity improvement, quality defect reduction, equipment and process uptime, on‑time delivery performance, successful delivery of NPI programmes and continuous improvement project completion.

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@jcb.com, and a member of the team will be in touch.